Do you know what the hardest tissue in the human body is?
It’s the enamel, the glossy substance that covers the outer layer of your teeth.
The enamel is the hardest and most mineralized part of your body, but it is not immune to wear and tear. In fact, because it contains no living cells, any damage to the enamel is permanent.
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, some of the most common factors that can cause enamel erosion are:
- Drinking excessive amounts of soft drinks
- Low levels of saliva
- An improper diet (particularly one that is high in sugar)
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Genetics
- Environmental or behavioral factors
Enamel erosion can also be a precursor of tooth decay and a variety of other oral health problems such as cavities, gum disease, and so on.
Signs of Enamel Erosion
- Sensitivity: you may feel pain when consuming hot, cold or sweet food and beverages
- Discoloration: you may begin to notice stains on your teeth
- Transparency: your teeth may seem transparent near the edge
- Cracking: your teeth may begin to break near the biting edge
How to Strengthen Teeth
It goes without saying that a thorough and regular dental hygiene is paramount to maintaining the health and integrity of your teeth. Although enamel corrosion requires treatment from your Dallas Dentist, there are a few steps you could take to strengthen your teeth naturally.
- Adopt a more balanced diet by eliminating acidic food or drinks
- Improve your dental hygiene habits and start brushing after every meal
- Use a straw when consuming acidic drinks to minimize their contact with your teeth
- Decrease the amount of snack consumed between meals, and choose sugar-free options only
- Hydrate to increase the natural saliva level
- Use only fluoride toothpaste
The right dental routine can only do so much in keeping your teeth strong and healthy. It’s vital to schedule regular dentist appointments for check-ups and professional cleanings to avoid enamel deterioration.
Are you looking for the best dentist in Dallas to take care of your oral health? Schedule an appointment at Dallas Dental Wellness and let us help keep your smile nice and healthy!
Sources:
http://www.agd.org/public/OralHealthFacts/files/pdfgenerator.aspx?pdf=FS_ToothErosion.pdf&id=307565
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay/more-info
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4226000/
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tooth-enamel-erosion-restoration
